Nightlife Legend Susanne Bartsch Is Bringing Back The Love Ball

Susanne Bartsch and the Council for Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) are making major moves this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and to celebrate World Pride. The two are teaming up to bring back The Love Ball, an iconic HIV/AIDS fundraiser that was previously held in 1989 and 1991.

Bartsch, historically known for throwing the most extravagant nightlife parties in the world’s hippest and most happening cities, has remained an activist for AIDS and HIV over the years, raising millions of dollars to support related causes. She hosted the first Love Ball in 1989, which brought in $400,000. After the second installment was put on in 1991, the Love Balls had raised over $2.5 million for HIV and AIDS charities.

"It's the 30th anniversary of The Love Ball, which I created to celebrate life, to show support for people living with HIV, and to unite people to fight AIDS," Bartsch says. "It's the most important fight I ever fought. While much progress has been made since then, the disease continues to disproportionately affect underserved communities. The fight continues.”

This year’s Love Ball, which will take place on June 25 at Gotham Hall, is benefitting the CFDA-Vogue Initiative/New York City AIDS Fund of The New York Community Trust. MAC Cosmetics will sponsor the event, furthering their efforts made in the fight against AIDS after founding its Viva Glam campaign in 1994 and donating the entirety of proceeds from their Viva Glam lipsticks to the MAC AIDS fund.

Pose star Billy Porter will serve as the host of the night, with plenty of stars expected to attend. The six-category event will bring together “members from the Ballroom community, celebrities, and nightlife icons to compete for a one-of-a-kind trophy."

Glamour, charity, and competition all in one night? Get your gowns ready, we’re off to The Love Ball!